Finding the time to attend college to further your education presents a series of challenges.
You may feel that traveling to and from college, either before or after work, eats into your free time.
Or, that managing the time to sit and actually review the work is a near-impossible task.
If you have considered a career in the health care industry as a medical assistant but cannot seem to organize yourself to do it, then you may be a good candidate for an online course.
Various schools across the US offer an online medical assistant training course that may be suited to you.
Go to Section:
- The Best Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
- #1 U.S. Career Institute Online Medical Assistant Program
- #2 Stepful Online Medical Assistant Training
- #3 Advanced eClinical Training Medical Assisting Certification
- #4 MedCerts Online Medical Assistant Certificate
- #5 Penn Foster Online Medical Assistant Career Diploma
- #6 Mercy College of Health Sciences Online Medical Assisting Program
- #7 Clarion University Allied Health Medical Assisting Focus
- #8 Herzing University Online Medical Assistant Diploma
- #9 South University Online Associate in Medical Assisting
- #10 Franklin University Online Medical Assisting Certificate
- #11 Stratford Career Institute Medical Office Assistant Course
- #12 Petra Medical College Online Medical Assistant Program
- What Courses Are in an Online Medical Assistant Program?
- Can You Earn a Medical Assistant Certification Completely Online?
- How Long Does it Take to Earn a Medical Assistant Certification Online?
- How Much Does an Online Medical Assistant Certification Cost?
- Benefits of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
- Drawbacks of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs – Summary Table
- Types of Medical Assistant Certifications
- 4 Self-Study Tips for Medical Assistant Online Students
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
#1 U.S. Career Institute Online Medical Assistant Program
About the School
U.S. Career Institute offers a self-paced online medical assistant program for adult learners and working professionals.
The school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and emphasizes preparing students for national certification exams.
Career support, including resume guidance and job search tips, is included.
Courses Offered
Students learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology basics, patient preparation, office procedures, and professional communication.
The curriculum includes interactive exercises, quizzes, and tutor support.
The program is self-paced, so students can complete lessons according to their schedule.
Program Cost
The total tuition is approximately $1,539 when using auto-payment plans.
The program typically takes 4 to 7 months to complete at a part-time pace.
Books, e-materials, and career services are included.
Students can sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam after completion.
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Lowe St, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States
- Phone: +1 970-207-4555
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 Stepful Online Medical Assistant Training
About the School
Stepful combines online instruction with clinical hands-on experience through a required 80-hour in-person externship.
It partners with healthcare facilities across the United States to provide practical experience.
Courses Offered
The program covers patient care, clinical procedures, medical terminology, administrative tasks, HIPAA compliance, and professional conduct.
Students also receive exam preparation for the CCMA credential.
Classes are delivered online with live virtual sessions, quizzes, and simulations.
Program Cost
Tuition is approximately $1,999.
Program length is about 4 months full-time.
Students complete an 80-hour externship and receive resume and interview preparation support.
Contact Information
- Address: 19 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
- Phone: (332) 334-8285
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Advanced eClinical Training Medical Assisting Certification
About the School
This program is designed for students seeking rapid entry into healthcare roles.
Lessons are self-paced and focused on clinical and administrative medical assisting skills.
Courses Offered
Students complete online modules covering medical office procedures, patient care, vital signs, infection control, and medical terminology.
The program also includes preparation for CCMA and NHA exams.
Program Cost
Tuition is around $3,100.
Program length is approximately 8 weeks full-time.
The course prepares students to complete national certification exams and includes support materials and practice tests.
Contact Information
- Address: N/A
- Phone: (617) 336-6104
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 MedCerts Online Medical Assistant Certificate
About the School
MedCerts is a national healthcare training provider offering career-focused programs online.
Students receive advisor support and interactive virtual simulations to reinforce learning.
Courses Offered
The program consists of 28 weeks of coursework.
Students study human anatomy, medical terminology, administrative tasks, clinical procedures, HIPAA compliance, and patient care.
Extended programs include optional EKG and phlebotomy modules.
Program Cost
Tuition is approximately $4,000.
Students typically complete the program in 6 to 7 months at a part-time pace.
Exam preparation for CCMA or CMAA certification is included, along with career coaching.
Contact Information
- Address: 14143 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154
- Phone: 1-800-734-1175
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Penn Foster Online Medical Assistant Career Diploma
About the School
Penn Foster provides flexible, self-paced online study for students balancing work and education.
The school offers both a career diploma and an associate degree in medical assisting.
Courses Offered
Diploma students take courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, office procedures, pharmacology, and professional conduct.
Associate degree students complete 22 courses plus a 160-hour clinical externship.
Program Cost
The diploma can be completed in approximately 11 months.
The associate degree spans four semesters with 60 credits.
Tuition for the diploma program is about $2,399.
Externship placement and career support are included.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 1-888-427-6200
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Mercy College of Health Sciences Online Medical Assisting Program
About the School
Mercy College offers structured online coursework with a required in-person practicum.
The program emphasizes clinical competence and administrative skills for entry-level medical assistant roles.
Courses Offered
Students complete courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, patient care, and office management.
The program includes 160 hours of supervised practicum experience in healthcare settings.
Program Cost
The program length is approximately 1 year.
Tuition is about $10,716, which includes the practicum, materials, and career support services.
Students are prepared to sit for national certification exams upon completion.
Contact Information
- Address: 928 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: (515) 643-3180
- Website: Visit School Website
#7 Clarion University Allied Health Medical Assisting Focus
About the School
Clarion University offers an associate degree with an allied health focus.
The program combines online and hybrid instruction with clinical training to prepare students for medical assisting careers.
Courses Offered
Students complete coursework in healthcare systems, medical office management, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and professional communication.
General education courses supplement core training.
Program Cost
The associate degree requires approximately 90 credit hours and 18–24 months of study.
Tuition and fees total around $19,452.
Graduates have an average starting salary of $43,071.
Contact Information
- Address: 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214
- Phone: (814) 393-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
#8 Herzing University Online Medical Assistant Diploma
About the School
Herzing University provides a hybrid diploma program combining online coursework with a required 180-hour clinical externship.
The program prepares students for certification and entry-level employment.
Courses Offered
Online courses cover medical office procedures, clinical skills, medical terminology, patient care, and professional conduct.
Externships provide hands-on practice in healthcare facilities.
Program Cost
Program length is approximately 10 months.
Tuition is about $12,360, which includes books, online materials, and externship support.
Students are eligible for CCMA or similar exams.
Contact Information
- Address: 275 W Wisconsin Ave Ste. 210, Milwaukee, WI 53203, United States
- Phone: +1 800-596-0724
- Website: Visit School Website
#9 South University Online Associate in Medical Assisting
About the School
South University offers a full online associate degree with clinical training and administrative skill development.
The program is designed for students seeking comprehensive preparation and a credential recognized by employers.
Courses Offered
Curriculum includes clinical procedures, medical terminology, healthcare systems, office management, and patient interaction.
Students complete a structured externship to gain real-world experience.
Program Cost
The associate degree requires approximately 80 weeks of study and 160 hours of clinical externship.
Total tuition is around $45,775, reflecting the program’s length and depth.
Contact Information
- Address: 709 Mall Blvd, Savannah, GA 31406, United States
- Phone: +1 912-201-8000
- Website: Visit School Website
#10 Franklin University Online Medical Assisting Certificate
About the School
Franklin University offers an undergraduate certificate fully online.
The program prepares students for medical assisting roles and national certification exams.
Courses Offered
The 17-credit program covers clinical medical assisting, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare operations, vital signs, infection control, lab work, patient interaction, scheduling, insurance, and HIPAA compliance.
Program Cost
Students can complete the program in about 8 months.
Tuition is $398 per credit hour, totaling approximately $6,766.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the CCMA or CMAA exams.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
- Phone: +1 877-341-6300
- Website: Visit School Website
#11 Stratford Career Institute Medical Office Assistant Course
About the School
Stratford Career Institute offers a self-paced home study course focusing on medical office assisting.
It emphasizes administrative skills for healthcare settings rather than clinical training.
Courses Offered
Topics include patient communication, medical records management, scheduling, HIPAA compliance, and office procedures.
This program builds foundational administrative skills for medical offices.
Program Cost
The course takes 6 to 12 months, depending on pace.
Tuition ranges from $499 to $999.
The course may not qualify for national clinical certification, but it is useful for office-based roles.
Contact Information
- Address: 8675 Darnley Rd., Town of Mount Royal, QC H4T 1X2, Canada
- Phone: 1-800-254-4070
- Website: Visit School Website
#12 Petra Medical College Online Medical Assistant Program
About the School
Petra Medical College provides a self-paced online certificate program.
The school emphasizes flexible learning and prepares students for multiple national certifications.
Courses Offered
The program includes 231 instructional hours covering EKG, phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and an optional specialization in pediatric or mental health care.
Students are trained for clinical and administrative tasks.
Program Cost
Program length is about 4–6 months full-time.
Tuition is approximately $2,325.
Graduates are eligible for certification exams, including RMA, CMA, CCMA, and CPT.
Contact Information
- Address: 1814 N. Morrison Blvd Ste. A & B, Hammond, Louisiana 70401
- Phone: (985) 318-7880
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
What Courses Are in an Online Medical Assistant Program?
Course materials will differ from one program to the next.
It will depend on the institution as well as the duration and type of qualification.
The course material is intended to introduce students to the functions and various structures of human anatomy.
The course material included in this program covers a range of topics involving concepts in human anatomy, how to manage an office in a medical facility, HIPAA guidelines, preparation and processing of medical paperwork, medical terminology, administration of medicine, as well as minor medical procedures.
Some of the more advanced programs may include business-related topics such as office management and financial management.
Below is a list of possible topics that may be covered in this program:
- Medical terminology
- Medical insurance and management of medical records/electronic records
- Medical law, administration, and ethics
- Medical clinical procedures
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical lab procedures
- Patient interaction/human relations
- Emergencies in the medical office
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Safety in the medical office
- Blood testing
- Financial management
- Pharmacology
- Blood testing
Can You Earn a Medical Assistant Certification Completely Online?
The medical assistant certification may be obtained completely online.
However, students are required to get hands-on experience to successfully be able to do the job.
Online training programs do not offer students access to facilities where they are able to gain valuable hands-on experience in patient triage strategies, acquire the necessary skills in patient care techniques, as well as assist with various procedures.
These skills are a necessity in order to obtain a qualification and perform the job according to standards.
Ideally, students should opt for courses that offer a blend of online and in-class training.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Medical Assistant Certification Online?
The medical assistant programs are offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or traditional colleges.
Students have two options when pursuing a qualification in this field:
A certificate/diploma course
This course may take up to one year to complete and may require either clinical work or an internship.
Provided that this program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), students are eligible to sit for the national exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
An associate degree
This course will take up to two years to complete when studying full-time or three to four years if studying part-time.
Similarly, students who pursue an associate degree may sit for the national examination offered by AAMA, provided that the course is accredited by CAASHEP or ABHES.
How Much Does an Online Medical Assistant Certification Cost?
Tuition, application fees, and admission fees will differ from one institution to another offering the same course.
The application fee for a certificate course may range between $30 and $300, and tuition for the same course will range between $800 and $25,000, with the average price being $14,500.
For the associate degree course, application fees will range between $3,500 and $40,000.
Keep in mind that the tuition may or may not include items such as books, required clothing, and other materials.
This is an important factor to keep in mind when selecting a school, as the cost may be considerably affected.
Benefits of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
There are some benefits associated with studying for a medical assistant qualification online.
Keep in mind that this program does require students to perform lab work and take part in an internship/externship.
Here are three benefits of studying online.
1. Less expensive
This program is more cost-effective when pursued online due to the fact that students are not required to purchase books or other learning materials.
Most programs include these elements with the courseware.
In addition, schools that offer these programs online do not have the overhead that brick-and-mortar establishments have and can offer the program at a reduced fee.
US Career Institute, for example, offers the course completely online, and the tuition is $1239 if paid in full.
In addition, the school charges a one-time application fee of $29.
The tuition covers the exam fee and all learning materials.
Penn Foster, for example, offers this course at a discounted rate of $1,099.
The tuition includes all books and other learning materials as well.
The course is accredited, and students are eligible to sit for the national examination.
2. There is no dress code
Students who study on-premises are required to wear a scrub uniform.
This is not required when studying online.
However, students are required to purchase their uniforms once they graduate.
3. Flexibility
The online medical assistant course offers students the flexibility of self-paced study.
Students can access learning material at a time and place that is convenient to them, provided that the course material is completed within the stipulated time frame.
Online classes are designed to be self-paced or live lectures, depending on the school and type of course.
For self-paced classes, students may access the class during lunch breaks or after work.
Drawbacks of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs
Studying for certification online has its drawbacks.
While this format is suited to many types of programs, not all are a good match.
1. Cannot gain hands-on experience
There is a big downside to studying this type of course online.
One requirement to sit for the national examination is that students must gain hands-on experience through an externship.
Upon completion of classroom training, students are required to complete a set number of working hours in a clinic or medical office that will help prepare them for the national examination and their chosen field.
This type of training is usually included in classroom training, as the school often assists with placing students in an externship with a medical office or a local clinic as part of the program.
However, this option is not available to students who study the course online.
These students must find placement by themselves.
In addition, online programs rarely, if ever, offer students any kind of assistance in securing an internship upon completion of the training course.
During the externship, students work with professional medical assistants.
This allows the student to gain real-life experience in a medical office or facility.
Classroom training lays the foundation, while practical experience allows students to put this new knowledge into practice.
2. Limited to no support
Another big drawback of these types of courses is that there is often very limited support during the course of study from the institution.
This, however, does not apply to all online schools or programs.
Some programs offer good support and community forums where students may meet other students studying for the same qualification.
However, there is still a limited opportunity for networking with an online course.
3. Limited assistance with preparation and passing the exam
With online courses, students have limited, and sometimes even no support, when it comes to preparation for the national examination.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs – Summary Table
| Benefits of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs | Drawbacks of Online Medical Assistant Training Programs |
|---|---|
| 1. Less expensive | 1. Cannot gain hands-on experience |
| 2. There is no dress code | 2. Limited to no support |
| 3. Flexibility | 3. Limited assistance with preparation and passing the exam |
Types of Medical Assistant Certifications
There are five main medical assistant programs that students may attend:
- Certified medical assistant (CMA)
- Registered medical assistant (RMA)
- Registered medical assistant (RMA)
- Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA)
- Nationally certified medical assistant (NCMA)
In addition to these certifications are the Medical Assistant specialty certifications:
- International Medical Assistant (IMA) certification
- Specialty Certified Medical Assistant (SCMA) certifications
The Specialty Certified Medical Assistant (SCMA) Certifications allow students to specialize in a specific field.
These fields include:
- Women’s health specialty certification (SCMA-WH)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Certification (SCMA-OBG)
- Pediatrics specialty certification (SCMA-PD)
- Internal medicine specialty certification (SCMA-IM)
- Family medicine specialty certification (SCMA-FM)
- Geriatrics specialty certification (SCMA-G)
- Endocrinology specialty certification (SCMA-END)
- Cardiology specialty certification (SCMA-CD)
- Dermatology specialty certification (SCMA-D)
- Urology specialty certification (SCMA-U)
- Oncology specialty certification (SCMA-ON)
- Transplant surgery certification (SCMA-TTS)
- Orthopedic surgery certification (SCMA-ORS)
4 Self-Study Tips for Medical Assistant Online Students
Here are four tips to help you study for your online medical assistant certificate.
1. Develop good study habits
You will need to start by developing good study habits.
You are in control of the pace at which you study.
This requires discipline and commitment toward your goals.
Students should set out clearly defined goals for completing the online course.
This involves managing time and organizing time so that goals can be achieved and the course can be completed within the due time.
2. Build relationships with other students and educators in the online forum
There is a lot that goes into managing your own pace and study time.
Unlike the convenience of a brick-and-mortar establishment, where you will be studying with other students and have direct access to your educators, this is not always the case with online studying.
Students should make a point of building relationships in the online forums to get the most out of this experience and to be able to get quick responses to questions.
3. Get comfortable with technology
Learn how to operate the online platform on which the course will be offered, which may be Google Class, Skype, or Zoom.
Make sure you are using the best possible search engine and that your PC screen, internet access, and audio are all working optimally.
Get comfortable with using the platform and try to enter the platform a few times before the actual classes to prevent any technical issues that may inhibit you from accessing the online classroom.
4. Choose the right school
This is possibly the most important step in preparing for your online course.
You must select the appropriate course before starting your studies.
Each state has different requirements.
Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your state before selecting a school.
In addition, your state may require that the school you select be accredited by the appropriate accrediting bodies.
Furthermore, ensure that upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to sit for the national examination.
Not all schools offer programs that qualify students to sit for the national exam.
Conclusion
Your education is the first step on your journey to a new career.
Start this journey by selecting the right school and the right course.
Keep in mind that not all programs are accredited.
Be sure to meet the state requirements for a medical assistant before you even embark on this journey by attending a course that allows you entry to the national examination.
Furthermore, self-study takes a lot of discipline.
Be sure to manage your time and organize yourself so that you set time aside to study.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working hours of a medical assistant?
Most medical assistants work a typical 40-hour work week.
Some may work part-time, on weekends, or in the evenings as well.
What does a medical assistant earn?
The salary depends on a variety of factors such as location, the facility where the medical assistant is employed, the type of education, and years of experience.
The hourly rate will fluctuate between $17.67 and will easily go up to $20.83 with over ten years of experience.
Is being a medical assistant a stressful job?
There is a fair amount of stress associated with this job, but it is not as stressful as other, more demanding jobs.
Provided that you can organize yourself and your time, you should thrive in this type of job.
Is certification required to get a job?
There is no requirement for medical assistants to be certified or licensed in this field.
However, obtaining certification may secure a higher-paying job.
In addition, job responsibilities may be lower in certain states without certification.
